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Pietersen's Wild Call: Bring Back Andy Flower as England Coach After Ashes Loss

Following England's 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia, former star Kevin Pietersen has provocatively suggested the team should consider reappointing Andy Flower as head coach. Pietersen believes Flower has evolved and understands the modern game, citing his success in winning T20 leagues. Andy Flower previously coached England to Ashes victories in 2011 and 2013, and their first ICC T20 World Cup title in 2010. The suggestion comes as current coach Brendon McCullum's aggressive 'Bazball' strategy faces questions after the lopsided series loss.

Key Points: Kevin Pietersen Urges England to Rehire Andy Flower as Coach

  • Pietersen suggests coaching change after Ashes loss
  • Highlights Andy Flower's past success with England
  • Notes Flower's evolution and recent T20 league wins
  • McCullum's 'Bazball' era faces scrutiny after 4-1 series defeat
2 min read

"Can England bring back Andy Flower?": Kevin Pietersen suggests a coaching change for England

Kevin Pietersen suggests England cricket replace Brendon McCullum with Andy Flower after Ashes defeat, citing Flower's modern approach and winning record.

"Can England bring back Andy Flower now that he's changed and in line with the modern-day player? - Kevin Pietersen"

New Delhi, January 9

Following head coach Brendon McCullum's England losing the Ashes 4-1 against Australia, former Three Lions legend Kevin Pietersen suggested a coaching change in England's cricket team, urging to bring back Andy Flower.

McCullum revitalised England's Test cricket after taking charge as head coach in 2022, ushering in an aggressive, fearless brand of play. However, after a below-par Ashes campaign from England, Australia wrapped up the series with a convincing 5-wicket win over England in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, securing a 4-1 series victory.

This dominant performance capped off a successful campaign for Australia, with standout players like Mitchell Starc and Travis Head leading the charge. Australia clinched victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide before the Three Lions bounced back and registered a memorable win in Melbourne.

In an X post, Pietersen wrote, "This is a WILD thought. I reckon one of my wildest. Can England bring back Andy Flower now that he's changed and in line with the modern-day player? He gets Test Cricket. I've been told by many players that he's changed his ways since our drama. He's winning leagues, so really does get the modern-day player. VERY IMPORTANT! Wild, I know! Thoughts?"

Flower has earlier served as England's head coach. In 2007, Flower took charge as England's Assistant Coach. Two years later, he was appointed Head Coach of the England men's team. Within his first two years at the helm, Flower had won two Ashes campaigns in 2011 and 2013 as head coach.

He achieved unmatched consistency in 50-over cricket and delivered England their first global ICC trophy at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean in 2010. He guided the team to the top of the Test rankings in 2011 after a 4-0 win over India. However, a crushing 5-0 defeat to Australia in the 2013-14 Ashes series forced him to step down from the role.

Flower also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025, after 18 editions of the tournament.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, I think England's problem isn't just coaching. Their batting collapses in key moments were shocking. Flower is a proven winner, but bringing back the past isn't always the answer. They need to build a team for the future, not relive 2011.
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Ananya R
McCullum's style was fun to watch but maybe too reckless for a 5-test series in Australia? You need patience there. Flower understands Test cricket deeply. If he has truly changed his ways and connects with modern players, why not? His IPL success proves he's not stuck in the old methods. 🤔
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I disagree with Pietersen. The 5-0 Ashes defeat in 2013-14 was on Flower's watch too. You can't just blame McCullum after one bad series. The players need to take responsibility. Constantly changing coaches creates instability. Give Baz some time to fix things.
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Karthik V
Flower winning the IPL for RCB is the biggest point here! Managing superstars like Kohli in T20 is very different from managing a Test team, but it shows incredible tactical skill. England could use that winning mentality. But will the players accept his reportedly stricter methods? That's the question.
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Meera T
From an Indian fan's perspective, it's fascinating drama! England's cricket politics is always entertaining. Flower did give us a tough time back in the day. His return might make the India-England contests even more interesting. Let's see what the ECB decides! 🏏

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